Balsam: Camilia Flowered Mix (Impatiens balsamina)

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This old fashioned cousin of the garden impatiens originates in the southeastern regions of Asia. Its genus name Impatiens comes from its "impatient" habit of exploding its seeds from their pods at the slightest touch. Dr. John Kirk, chief medical officer and expert botanist on numerous exploratory journeys led by Dr. Livingston, introduced this plant to his homeland. Victorian gardeners often included it in their flowerbeds, but the appearance of more showy hybrid varieties soon overshadowed the modest beauty of this species.

Sow Depth:On soil surface.Produces: Clusters of richly red, pink, and white colored flowers that look like little roses peeking out among the leaves.

USDA Grow Zone:1-12

Direct sow in spring, pressing the seed lightly into the surface of the soil; water carefully to avoid disturbing the seed, and keep consistently moist until germination, which should occur within 7-10 days. To start the seed indoors 6-8 weeks before frost, sow the seed on the surface of the soil in a flat; keep it lightly moist until germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost or when they can safely be handled.

This plant tolerates some drought, but produces the best blossoms in consistently moist, rich soil. It also adapts well to clay soil. Pinch back the stems of young plants to encourage bushiness and branching growth. Plants grown from seed outdoors will bloom in mid to late summer, while plants started indoors may bloom in early summer; they will bloom until frost. Deadhead for the most blooms. This plant will self-sow readily. It makes a good choice for containers or as a border plant, and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed in the garden.

​Because these ripe seed pods explode when touched, the seeds can be challenging to collect. Bagging the pods with small circles of fabric before they ripen can be an effective way to catch the seed. Alternatively, the entire plant can be repeatedly shaken over a container to cause the ripe pods to release the seeds. Clean the seeds as well as possible, then store them in a cool, dry place.

Companion planting is an excellent practice for any skill level of gardener. By using the natural substances contained within a plant’s roots your garden can both repel unwanted insects and attract those with useful traits. Companion planting can also be used to group flowers that prefer similar conditions.

Using companion plants as a border, backdrop, or interplanting in your garden beds will allow you to harness the ecosystem to its full potential. It is best to use plants native to your area so that the insects you seek to attract will know what to look for!